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American Roots Music Education (ARME) is a non-profit organization devoted to helping people in Middle Tennessee learn more about the musical history of the region. Their mission is to advance awareness and appreciation of the roots of American music such as bluegrass, jazz, Tejano, blues, folk and Native American music – the type of music not typically covered in textbooks and classrooms. ARME promotes learning about these eclectic styles, which they say reflect our society’s true diversity and is part of our cultural history. ARME was founded in 2004 by Buffy Holton, Director who is a tireless promoter of her passion. Buffy has brought together a team of professionals who organize inter-active performances and educational programs for students in public and private schools, community centers, and after-school programs throughout Middle Tennessee. While her primary focus is to bring these educational opportunities to children, the musical interaction and unique cultural learning activities will entertain people of all ages. Music of the People Festival Music of the People is one of ARMEs popular school programs and is designed to introduce students to the types of music created by Mexican-Americans – especially the music of the Texas and California border regions, such as Tejano, conjunto and norteño music. Music of the People Festival was held May 31 at Coleman Community Center, on the corner of Nolensville Road and Thompson Lane in Nashville, to promote community involvement and awareness for the school program. According to ARME staff, Adie Grey, the members of ARME have been surprised at the growth of the Hispanic community in the Middle Tennessee region in recent years – a growth which was confirmed by the enthusiastic response to the community Festival. Musica de la Gente Festival included a variety of musical and cultural events such as entertainment by musical groups Ocho Treinta, Son Latino, Danny Salazar and Trova Urbana, and Los Texmaniacs. Musical folkloric dances were provided by groups of children in colorful native costumes, representing different Hispanic regions. Traditional Hispanic foods were available, including favorites such as La Autentica Michoacana (iced fruit bars). Piñatas provided outside entertainment for the children, and inside activities included supervised tables of the arts and crafts to make a Mexican sombrero, a paper flower, a rhythm instrument, a tin box, paint a wooden airplane, or the popular paint a snake or make a lizard keychain. ARME also provided a raffle to win a guitar autographed by Los Texmaniacs. For more information on the people and programs of American Roots Musical Education, please go to their website at www.americanrootsmusic.org or visit their nonprofit profile at www.givingmatters.com. Written by Teresa Stevens
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